The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has made a stunning declaration that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never become President of Nigeria. The monarch made this bold statement during an interview with Nigerian Tribune at his Iga Iduganran Palace in Lagos to mark his 82nd birthday and 22 years on the throne.
Divine Destiny for Tinubu, Not Atiku
According to the revered traditional ruler, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's rise to power was divinely ordained, and Nigerians should rally behind him to fulfil his God-given purpose for the country. Oba Akiolu stated plainly: "The future belongs to God. But let me say it plainly: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never be President of Nigeria."
The monarch revealed that he had predicted President Tinubu's eventual emergence as Nigeria's leader shortly after his own coronation in May 2003. "On May 23, 2003, the day I received my certificate of office, I told God that Tinubu would one day be president," Akiolu recalled, noting that his prophecy has now come to pass.
Call for Political Unity and Special Status for Lagos
Oba Akiolu used the opportunity to advise politicians against unnecessary rivalry, emphasizing that political disagreements should not divide the nation. "I'm not a politician, but I always tell them politicians don't fight; they only disagree. God deliberately chose Tinubu for Nigeria," he added.
The monarch also renewed his longstanding call for the federal government to grant Lagos State special status due to its infrastructural challenges and strategic role in Nigeria's development. "Lagos is blessed. If you come here poor, your condition can change for the better. But the pressure on infrastructure is enormous," he explained.
Oba Akiolu revealed that he has written to the Attorney-General on this matter, noting that the push for Lagos's special status dates back to 1956 when Oba Adeniji Adele wrote to the British Colonial Secretary about Lagos's unique position. "Giving Lagos special status is long overdue," the monarch insisted.
Background of Political Tensions
The monarch's comments come amid ongoing political tensions between supporters of President Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has been critical of Tinubu's economic reforms, particularly the fuel subsidy removal and forex exchange reforms.
Atiku had previously stated on his social media handle that had he won the 2023 election, his reforms would have focused on achieving fiscal and monetary congruence, suggesting a different approach from the current administration's policies.
Oba Akiolu's remarks add significant weight to the political discourse, given his influential position as one of Nigeria's most prominent traditional rulers and his long-standing relationship with President Tinubu, who previously served as Governor of Lagos State.
